What is Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine？

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, located in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a shrine dedicated to those who perished in wars ranging from the Boshin War to the Greater East Asia War. It is situated near Hiroshima Castle and attracts many visitors.

Deities

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine enshrines those who perished in wars from the Boshin War to the Greater East Asia War, as well as public officials who died in the atomic bombing.

History

　Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine was originally established as ‘Suikosha Shrine’ in the first year of the Meiji era to honor those who perished in the Boshin War during the Meiji Restoration. Since then, it has enshrined the spirits of approximately 92,000 individuals who died in wars leading up to the Greater East Asia War.  
　In 1939, the shrine was renamed to its current title, Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine.  
　In 1945, the shrine buildings were completely destroyed by the atomic bomb during World War II, and in 1956, the new shrine buildings were completed.

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine was founded in December of the first year of the Meiji era, when the spirits of 78 individuals, including Shōzō Takama, who perished in the Boshin War during the Meiji Restoration, were enshrined at the newly built ‘Suikosha Shrine’ in Futaba no Sato.
　Since then, the shrine has enshrined the spirits of approximately 92,000 individuals who died in numerous wars leading up to the Greater East Asia War, including about 10,000 mobilized students and members of the Women’s Volunteer Corps, who became victims of the atomic bombing while engaged in labor service.  
　In 1875, Suikosha Shrine was renamed as the Hiroshima Shōkonsha (official soul-inviting shrine), and in 1901, it was renamed Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine.  
　In 1934, due to the deterioration of the shrine buildings, a new shrine was constructed and relocated to the western edge of the Western Training Ground (around the area of the former municipal baseball stadium). In 1939, it was renamed Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. However, on August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb exploded in the sky nearby, destroying all of the shrine buildings.  
　A small temporary shrine was built at the same location to continue the rituals, but due to Hiroshima’s reconstruction, the shrine had to be relocated. In response, a Reconstruction Support Committee was formed, and donations were collected from citizens of the prefecture. In the fall of 1956, the new shrine buildings were completed at the current site, which is on the ruins of Hiroshima Castle, marking the long-awaited revival of the shrine.  
　In April 1971, the number of visitors dramatically increased after the shrine was honored by a visit from Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun. However, due to the deteriorating condition of the shrine buildings and their insufficient size, a plan for renovation and rebuilding was initiated as part of the Heisei Imperial Ceremony Memorial Project. With the support of the local citizens and businesses, renovations, including the construction of the main hall, worship hall, ceremonial hall, torii gate, and stone pavement, were completed in April 1993.  
　Marking the shrine’s 130th anniversary in 1998, further improvements were made to the shrine precincts. These included the construction of a new Yūkyūden Hall, the rebuilding of the ceremonial hall, Kaguraden, administrative office, and assembly hall. All of the commemorative projects were completed by June 2009.

Quoted from the official website

Access to Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine’s Goshuin

Here is the goshuin (temple stamp) from Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. Given its location at the foot of Hiroshima Castle, the stamp featuring the koi from the castle ruins is quite impressive!

You can receive the goshuin at the offering hall on the left after your visit. They have a variety of goshuin-cho (stamp books) and amulets available, including some made from recycled paper featuring origami cranes.

Visiting Report on Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine！！

Start your visit by passing through the torii gate!

Let’s purify ourselves at the Chozuya.

Hibaku Great Torii

The “Hibaku Great Torii” is said to have stood tall without collapsing after the atomic bombing during World War II. It is a valuable torii gate that preserves its original shape from that time.

Dedicated to Heroes

The inscription “Dedicated to Heroes” can be found at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, which honors the war dead from the Boshin War to the Greater East Asia War.

Shori no Zo（昇鯉の像）

The “Shōri no Zō” (昇鯉の像) is a statue depicting a carp climbing a waterfall, symbolizing the overcoming of difficulties, achieving goals, and bringing good fortune and success. This powerful imagery resonates with the values of perseverance and ambition, making it a meaningful representation at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. Visitors often admire this statue for its inspirational message and the blessings it embodies.

Ema and Omikuji

There are various types of Ema (絵馬) and Omikuji (おみくじ) available! You can receive Ema featuring illustrations of koi, which adds a unique touch to your wishes and prayers.

Among the fortunes, there is a “Koi Omikuji” featuring a koi motif!
It’s very cute, so why not give it a try?

Summary

Thank you for reading.
Please do visit the charming Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine！